Camera strap?

Hi all,

I would like to know all your thoughts on Camera straps. I have read that some people replace the factory camera straps on their cameras - not wanting the advertise the manufacturer name on the straps- or just the fact that is screams "expensive" camera for security reasons.

I recently did Disney World with my "Nikon" camera strap, and didn't really bother me much -comfortwise(just a tad rough), because I had it back and forth on my neck and in a backpack. I also felt pretty safe in Disney World , advertising my "expensive" camera.

As far as "adverstising" an expensive camera - there is not much you can do about the name and model on the camera itself .

That being said, I recently picked up an Op/Tech USA strap - the basic neoprene one(inexpensive). It is much more comfortable around the neck than the Nikon strap.

Just curious on some of your thoughts.
--
-Sunil
D5000
Long Island, NY

I don't care what the strap says - I want comfort and convenience. I always use Tamrac straps (similar to Optec and Lowepro); they're more cushioned than the OEM strap and they have quick-release clips. I can also clip the camera to my backpack shoulder straps.
--
-Dave
http://pixseal.com

I never use my camera strap around my neck. I usually carry two cameras, so they go over my shoulders. Since I am used to that, when I carry one camera, I carry it on my shoulder. So I don't care about cushion in the strap.

As for screaming expensive, anyone who knows cameras can spot a D3. But if they don't know much about cameras, those who would steal it, would do so no matter what the strap says.

How much do you think an Independent Fabrication XS carbon fiber and titanium bike with SRAM Red parts sells for? It doesn't matter. The street value is still about $15. Same street price as a department store piece of junk that sold for $60 new. The same process as a camera. The thief will not likely try to sell it on Ebay or Craigslist. Only the dumb ones do that. It's too easy to get caught. They will pawn it off and let someone else take the heat. Cameras or bicycles, it works the same. Don't think for a second that a D40 is not a target of a crook.

--

“I’m not in this world to live up to your expectations and you’re not in this world to live up to mine.”

“Showing off is the fool’s idea of glory.”

Chris, Broussard, LA

Also no worries about names on the strap for me...but comfort for long hauls and big lenses was paramount for me.

I bought a Kata Reflex-E strap years ago for my A300, and have transferred it to my A550, and it solves the problem. It's adjustable in length to work as a neck strap or shoulder/cross-body strap, has quick release leads so it can be attached to backpack straps, has small zippered storage pockets for extra memory cards, and is a similar stretchy neoprene style like the others mentioned above.

--
Justin
galleries: http://www.pbase.com/zackiedawg

--
Super blog: http://www.theopenlife.com
World Travels: http://www.walksomewhere.com
Photoblog: http://focusfirst.blogspot.com

After a day of shooting, my DSLR would feel like an anchor around my neck. Now that I use a BlackRapid R-Strap, I no longer have that issue to deal with. The strap takes all the weight off of my neck and put's it onto my shoulder.
--
My humble photo gallery: http://ntotrr.smugmug.com

sbninja said:

I recently did Disney World with my "Nikon" camera strap, and didn't really bother me much -comfortwise(just a tad rough),

Click to expand...

For me it was a comfort issue...I've always had 3rd party straps which were far more comfortable. The ones I use now have little pillows and are from Roots:



I never even bother taking the manufacturer's strap out of the box, since I buy a new strap when I buy a new camera.

I posted a similar thread a couple of weeks ago. Here is the link if you are interested.

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1018&message=35919012

I finally ordered the Op/Tech Pro Loop Strap. I received the strap and have already tried it out. This is an accessory that I can recommend without reservation. It makes carrying my D90 and a heavy telephoto all day a lot more pleasant. It is a HUGE improvement over the original Nikon. I usually put the camera strap over my right shoulder but it works well around the neck too.

It appears that the responders changed out their included straps for aftermarket ones for comfort, not out of fear or dislike for the advertising aspect.

I have always gone with aftermarket straps (lately products from OpTech), but must admit that I have done so for comfort AND to be less colorful. The Nikon straps aren't too bad, but the ones that have come with my Canon DSLRs are just hideous. Sorry, I carry a camera to take pictures, not make a fashion statement.

For me it is not an age-related thing, as changing out factory straps was something I did in my college days over thirty years ago. I know, I am probably just boring... Don't ask my wife!

sbninja said:

Just curious on some of your thoughts.

Click to expand...

I use the OP/TECH SLR Wrist Strap. Living in NYC, where everything is a tight fit (like subway turnstiles) or even in crowded places like the Palace of Versailles or the Rim Trail at the Grand Canyon, I find that anything hanging from my neck or shoulder gets banged around against doorways, people, etc.

So I always carry my camera in a nice bag that allows me to quickly draw it and take a shot. Then it goes back in the bag. If I know I’m just going to keep taking shots, I put on the wrist-strap and hold the camera in my hand. I find it comfortable to just hold the camera grip loosely and let the camera hang from my fingers. If it ever slips (never has) the strap is there to catch it (I did test it...works well.)

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